The University of Virginia’s Office of the Vice Provost for Online Education and Digital Innovation (OEDI) is seeking a Director of Online Program Development. The 2030 Plan calls on the University to expand the reach of its educational programs—both in person and online—and to make UVA more accessible, including to learners across and beyond the Commonwealth. OEDI is championing this ambitious charge on behalf of the university and its constituent schools and centers.

The Director of Online Program Development plays a central role in advancing the UVA’s online education priorities. This is a high-impact, high-visibility position that will help shape the next chapter of online and hybrid learning at UVA. This individual will be responsible for guiding schools and centers through the planning, launch, and evaluation of new online and hybrid programs.

This individual will serve as a trusted partner to academic and business leaders, especially deans, associate deans, center and program directors, and faculty, bringing clarity to complex decisions and helping convert strong ideas into executable and sustainable offerings. They will work directly with schools to scope opportunities, assess market demand, support business case development, and build internal readiness. Post-launch, they will help monitor performance metrics and recommend real-time solutions to emerging issues, ensuring program success in a dynamic online learning environment. 

Strong candidates for the Director of Online Program Development position will have a documented track record of launching and growing online programs (either directly or with partners) and navigating complex, multi-stakeholder university relationships. They will understand what it takes to get new online or hybrid programs off the ground and have the credibility, judgment, and clarity to lead that work across multiple programs and schools.

Key Responsibilities
Program Strategy & Launch Readiness

Guide school-based teams through the evaluation of online/hybrid program concepts using data-driven, structured tools and decision frameworks.Lead the launch of new online and hybrid degree or certificate programs, overseeing timelines, workstreams, and stakeholder alignment.Drive early-stage program ideation and development in partnership with faculty and academic leaders.Evaluate operational readiness prior to launch, ensuring that systems, processes, and teams are fully prepared.Serve as a university-wide resource and thought partner, offering guidance on best practices for online and hybrid program design and operational excellence.Manage end-to-end project planning, documentation, and reporting.

Stakeholder Management

Serve as the central liaison across internal teams, academic units, and external partners and vendors.Align diverse stakeholders—including academic leaders, IT, marketing and enrollment teams—around shared objectives and accountability frameworks.Review and refine go-to-market and enrollment strategies in collaboration with schools and central partners.Communicate program health and progress through data-driven updates and clear narrative, building trust and transparency across all parties.

Communications & Cross-Functional Leadership

Translate complex initiatives into clear, timely communication—both written and verbal.Coordinate across teams and departments within the university and schools: finance, leadership, operations, instructional design, marketing, recruitment, student success, tech, etc.Provide real-time recommendations and hands-on support to address emerging issues during program launch.Surface and escalate risks early, while identifying creative solutions that support program sustainability and growth.Support the university’s mission to grow its online education portfolio by driving innovation and ensuring exceptional online program offerings consistent with UVA’s brand and reputation.

Operational Excellence

Monitor launch performance metrics, identify barriers, and conduct post-launch reviews to ensure continuous improvement.Capture lessons learned from each program launch and translate them into tools, templates, or repeatable practices.Develop and maintain a program development playbook to support consistent, successful online program launches.Document key decisions and strategic rationale to preserve institutional memory and enable rigorous design rationales and smarter future planning.Synthesize insights across schools and programs to surface shared needs and guide cross-institutional coordination.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related discipline, Master's degree preferred.Experience: 8 or more years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

5–10 years of experience in edtech, higher education, or managing online programs.Prior experience launching or managing for-credit hybrid/online academic programs.Demonstrated success in stakeholder alignment—both internal (faculty, academic leaders) and external (vendors).Strong background in project management, performance reporting, and program development.

Key Competencies & Attributes

Exceptional listening, communication, and diplomacy skills across all stakeholder groups.Can-do attitude and ownership mindset.Strategic thinker who brings forward growth-oriented and scalable solutions.Adept at relationship management within higher education.Naturally curious and an active learner.Comfortable with financial modeling, forecasting, and budget tracking.Experience in account management and cross-functional leadership.Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement.Proven ability to monitor performance, surface barriers, and recommend real-time solutions.Ability to capture lessons learned and translate them into scalable practices that strengthen future program launches.

About the Position

The anticipated salary for this position is $155,000 - $165,000 - commensurate with education and experience.

This position is hybrid, with regular travel to UVA Grounds in Charlottesville, VA required to develop trusted working relationships and meet with university leadership, internal partners, and stakeholders. Additional travel to attend industry conferences and participate in off-site activities may be required. This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. This is a exempt-level, benefited position; learn more about UVA Benefits.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after October 19, 2025.

How to Apply

Please create an account and apply online on the UVA Job Board, search for requisition number R0076755. Complete an application with the following documents:

ResumeCover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching \"Find Jobs.\"

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will  be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

For  questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.